Translation and Meaning of: 科 - ka

The Japanese word 科[か] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting meanings and uses in the Japanese language. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding this word can open doors to a richer vocabulary. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, writing, and how it appears in the everyday lives of Japanese people. Additionally, we will look at practical tips for memorizing it and how it relates to other similar .

Meaning and usage of the word 科[か]

The term 科[か] has the main meaning of "department," "section," or "branch of study." It is often used in academic and professional contexts to divide areas of knowledge or specialization. For example, 理科[りか] means "sciences," and 医科[いか] refers to the "medical branch." This word also appears in university course titles, such as 工科[こうか] (engineering).

In addition to the educational environment, 科 can be found in organizations and companies to designate internal divisions. A common example is 総務科 [そうむか], which means "general istration department." It is worth highlighting that, although it has a formal use, this word is not considered rare or obsolete, appearing frequently in documents and professional conversations.

Origin and writing of the kanji 科

The kanji 科 is composed of the radical 禾[のぎへん], which is related to crops and grains, combined with 斗[と], an ancient character that represented a measure of volume. This combination suggests an idea of "classification" or "division," like separating grains into categories. The etymology reinforces the modern sense of the word, which still retains the notion of organizing into distinct groups.

In writing, 科 is considered a N2 level kanji on the JLPT, which means it is intermediate-advanced. It appears in about 150 compound words, according to the Kangorin dictionary, showing its usefulness in Japanese vocabulary. An interesting fact is that, although it has only 9 strokes, its pronunciation can vary depending on the context, with "ka" being the most common reading.

Tips for memorizing and using 科[か]

An effective way to memorize this word is to associate it with you already know. For example, those studying Japanese have likely encountered 科学[かがく] (science) or 教科書[きょうかしょ] (textbook). Creating flashcards with these related words can help reinforce the meaning of 科 in your active vocabulary.

Another strategy is to practice with everyday sentences, such as この大学には工科がありますか (Does this university have an engineering department?). The site Suki Nihongo offers real usage examples taken from newspapers and authentic conversations, which are great for understanding the real context of the word. that, although versatile, 科 is more commonly used in formal or technical situations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 学 (Gaku) - Study, learning
• 学問 (Gakumon) - Acquired knowledge, science
• 学術 (Gakujutsu) - Academic science, academic study
• 学科 (Gakka) - Department of Studies, subject
• 学部 (Gakubu) - College, university (school)
• 学課 (Gakka) - Curriculum, academic course
• 学習 (Gakushū) - Learning process, education
• 学研 (Gakken) - Educational research, academic investigation
• 学園 (Gakuen) - Educational institution, school campus
• 学校 (Gakkō) - School, educational institution